Bishop Guertin High School defeated Salem High School, 430 to 405, in the Granite State Challenge on April 2. Courtesy photo

DURHAM – Bishop Guertin High School narrowly escaped the clutches of defeat during a tight Granite State Challenge match against Salem High School.

The Cardinals, captained by senior Mohid Khan, ultimately pulled out the win by a score of 430 to 405.

Khan’s team included seniors Declan Pyles, Teddy Bond and Aidan Coffey. Team alternates included sophomore Grant Leonardi and senior Carter Rick. The Cardinals were coached by English teachers Katie Graham and Jeannette Riendeau.

The Salem Blue Devils were captained by senior Megan Sneed. Their team roster included sophomore Ross Tremblay, junior Gabe Bradley and sophomore Samuel Feuer. Freshman Bernie Campbell was the team’s alternate. Salem was coached by Social Studies teacher Bernie Campbell, the father of the younger Bernie.

The game’s opening round showcased two talented, evenly matched teams, with the lead going back and forth several times. By the end of the round, Salem was in the lead by just 15 points at 135 to 120.

During the second round, the Cardinals’ nerves seemed to get the better of them.

“There was one question in the second round where we knew, but we forgot to pass it,” said Khan.

The mistake led to an early conclusion to the three-strikes-and-you’re-out round, meaning the team only gained 40 points. However, Salem’s strategy remained solid and the Blue Devils picked up 80 points.

Salem continued to show impressive teamwork in the third round. The team remained calm, even when struggling to find the answer “The Great Awakening” while the clock was ticking. The team answered nine out of 10 questions correctly during the quickfire round.

“We worked really well as a team and we felt very cohesive. We were able to share our ideas when we really needed it,” said Sneed. “I was very proud of my team, I feel like they did so amazing.”

Bishop Guertin bounced back in the third round, answering eight out of 10 questions correctly. Although the round ended with Salem leading, 305 to 250, the Cardinals’ performance marked a change in energy that would carry them through the fourth round.

“I think really it was just that drive to tighten the score as much as we could, and eventually we took the lead,” said Khan. “We were just driven by that.”

Early in the round, Bishop Guertin dominated the buzzer, keeping their opponents from answering most questions. By the fifth question, Bishop Guertin had gained the lead. However, Salem would not go quietly.

Riendeau was elated by the win, praising the performance of both teams.

“It was truly a nail-biter in the end,” she said with a laugh. “I had this deep sigh, and I heard to my side, Katie having the same sigh at the same exact time.”

Campbell remained optimistic despite the loss.

“We’ll just keep doing what we do,” he said looking ahead to next year. “Most of the kids will be a year older. They’ll have more classes, they’ll have a little bit more experience and that’s the important part.”